New industry on the horizon for Maranoa

10/12/2015 Maranoa’s economy may be welcoming a new industry in the future, with Council yesterday receiving a study endorsing a meatworks as a feasible option for the region.

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Maranoa’s economy may be welcoming a new industry in the future, with Council yesterday receiving a study endorsing a meatworks as a feasible option for the region.

Findings from the Maranoa Meatworks Pre-feasibility Study (completed by BDO (QLD) Pty Ltd) revealed that the establishment of a meat processing facility may be a viable industry for the Maranoa, on the basis that an investor/project proponent secures sufficient supply to support a consistent daily throughput.

Councillor Cameron O’Neil, Portfolio Chair for Economic Development said this is a project that is a long time coming.

“Provided the throughput is available, if successful in going ahead, this project would potentially see an increase in market options for cattle and/or sheep producers in southern Queensland, as well as significantly reducing transportation costs for primary producers locally and outside of the Maranoa,” Cr O’Neil said.

“A new industry in our region would see a number of flow-on benefits for the Maranoa, including but certainly not limited to the stimulation of the economy by the creation of new jobs, and therefore the growth of our population.”

Cr O’Neil said that from here, Council will be going out to the market to gauge interest for a meat processing facility, as well as working with the South West Regional Economic Development Association and the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise to promote the opportunity.

“This is a real investment opportunity for agriculture in the Maranoa and the broader south west – a project that has the full support of Council, I am excited to see it progress.”